Order of Mistborn Book Series

The "Mistborn" series, crafted by the collaborative talents of Brandon Sanderson, Michael Kramer, and Macmillan Audio, transports readers to a richly imagined world where magic and revolution intertwine. Set in a dystopian landscape ruled by an oppressive Lord Ruler, this epic fantasy trilogy introduces us to Vin, a street urchin with a latent and powerful ability known as Allomancy—the magic of metals. As she discovers her identity and potential, she becomes entwined with a band of rebels determined to overthrow their tyrannical leader.

Throughout the series, readers are treated to intricate world-building, memorable characters, and a plot that masterfully weaves themes of power, trust, and redemption. The beautifully narrated audiobooks bring an additional layer of immersion, making the journey even more engaging.

With its unique magic system, moral complexities, and unexpected twists, the "Mistborn" series is not just a tale of adventure but also an exploration of what it means to fight for freedom and justice in a world where hope seems lost. Join Vin and her companions as they navigate betrayal, loyalty, and the cost of rebellion in a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Order of Mistborn Series

# Title Year Rating Book Link
1The Final Empire
By: Brandon Sanderson
2006Amazon.com
2The Well of Ascension
By: Brandon Sanderson
2007Amazon.com
3The Hero of Ages
By: Brandon Sanderson
2008Amazon.com
4The Alloy of Law
By: Brandon Sanderson
2011Amazon.com
5Shadows of Self
By: Brandon Sanderson
2015Amazon.com
6The Bands of Mourning
By: Brandon Sanderson
2016Amazon.com
7Secret History
By: Brandon Sanderson
2022Amazon.com
8The Lost Metal
By: Brandon Sanderson
2022Amazon.com

Mistborn Series Books Description

The "Mistborn" series, written by Brandon Sanderson and narrated by Michael Kramer (with his wife, Kate Reading, as a co-narrator for some books), is a high fantasy saga that includes several main series and companion works. Below is a description of the main series:

Mistborn Trilogy

  1. Mistborn: The Final Empire

    • In a world where ash falls from the sky and a thick mist covers the nights, the story follows Vin, a street urchin with a hidden talent for Allomancy, the magic system that allows users to burn metals for various effects. She gets drawn into a rebellion led by Kelsier, a charismatic Mistborn who aims to overthrow the immortal Lord Ruler who has tyrannically ruled for a thousand years. This book introduces readers to the intricacies of Allomancy and sets the stage for the epic struggle against oppressive power.
  2. Mistborn: The Well of Ascension

    • Following the events of the first book, Vin and her companions must navigate the chaotic aftermath of Kelsier's rebellion. As new enemies arise and internal politics threaten their fragile alliance, Vin struggles with her identity and increased power. The titular Well of Ascension is a mysterious source of power sought by both allies and foes. The book delves deeper into the complexities of power, leadership, and sacrifice amid the escalating tension.
  3. Mistborn: The Hero of Ages

    • The conclusion of the original trilogy sees the characters facing dire consequences as the world appears on the brink of destruction. Vin and Elend venture on a quest to discover the truth about the Lord Ruler’s past and the origins of their world’s magic. As they confront both external threats and profound philosophical questions about destiny and free will, readers are treated to a thrilling and emotionally charged climax that resolves the overarching conflict of the trilogy.

Mistborn Era 2

This second era explores a more modern setting, mixing fantasy with elements of steampunk.

  1. Mistborn: Shadows of Self

    • Set several decades after the events of the original trilogy, the story follows Waxillium Ladrian, who has returned to the city of Elendel after years as a lawman in the rougher outer regions. Faced with corruption and a series of mysterious murders, Wax must balance his responsibilities as a nobleman with his instincts as a detective. This book continues to expand the world with new political dynamics and introduces new powers within the Allomantic and Feruchemical systems.
  2. Mistborn: The Alloy of Law

    • In this installment, Wax and his partner Wayne, along with their friend Marasi, investigate the emergence of a new criminal element in Elendel. As the story unfolds, readers see how societal changes affect both the Allomantic powers and the characters themselves. This novel incorporates the themes of legacy and how the past influences the present, while still delivering exciting adventure.
  3. Mistborn: The Bands of Mourning

    • The finale of the second era brings Wax, Wayne, and Marasi back together as they explore the mysterious "Bands of Mourning" and their connection to the original Mistborn era. The story dives deeper into the lore of the world, tackling themes of legacy, identity, and sacrifice, while drawing on the rich history established in the previous books.

Other Notable Works

Additionally, there are supplemental books and short stories in the Mistborn universe, such as "Mistborn: Secret History," which provides background on events and characters from the original trilogy.

Conclusion

Overall, the "Mistborn" series is widely praised for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and innovative magic system. The narratives intertwine themes of power, morality, and redemption, making it a compelling read for fantasy enthusiasts. Michael Kramer’s narration adds depth and immersion to the storytelling experience, making the audio versions particularly popular.

Who are the main characters of Mistborn Series

The "Mistborn" series, authored primarily by Brandon Sanderson, features a rich cast of characters set in a unique fantasy world where magical abilities are derived from metals. Here are the main characters:

  1. Vin: The protagonist of the first trilogy, Vin starts as a street urchin who discovers her Allomantic powers. Over the course of the series, she transforms from a hesitant and insecure young woman into a powerful and confident leader. Her journey explores themes of trust, belonging, and moral choices.

  2. Kelsier: Known as the Survivor, Kelsier is a charismatic and skilled Allomancer who leads the rebellion against the oppressive Lord Ruler. His determination and ingenuity inspire others, but he also carries the weight of personal loss and a deep desire for vengeance, which shapes his motivations.

  3. Elend Venture: A nobleman with progressive ideals, Elend dreams of a world where nobility and skaa can coexist. He becomes romantically involved with Vin and plays a crucial role in the political landscape of the series, grappling with his beliefs about leadership and morality.

  4. Sazed: A Terrisman who serves as a steward, Sazed is knowledgeable about the religions and history of the world. He is also a Feruchemist, able to store various attributes in metalminds. His character embodies themes of faith, doubt, and the search for identity and purpose.

  5. The Lord Ruler: Initially seen as the primary antagonist, the Lord Ruler is a complex figure whose motivations and history are gradually revealed throughout the series. His past and the structure of the world he created are central to the overarching plot.

  6. Dockson: Kelsier's loyal friend and a key member of his crew, Dockson is the planner and strategist behind many of Kelsier's schemes. His level-headedness and loyalty are vital to the group's efforts.

  7. Breeze: Another member of Kelsier's crew, Breeze is an allomancer who can influence emotions. He provides a mix of charm, wit, and cynicism, often serving as the comic relief while also playing an important role in the dynamics of the group.

  8. Ham: A large and strong allomancer who can manipulate steel. He is a good-hearted character with a love for philosophy, often providing a grounded perspective in the face of chaos.

These characters, along with many others, contribute to the intricate storytelling and thematic depth of the "Mistborn" series, exploring issues of power, morality, and the nature of heroism.

Interesting facts about Mistborn Series

The "Mistborn" series, written by Brandon Sanderson and narrated by Michael Kramer for the audiobook versions, is a beloved epic fantasy saga that has garnered a large following since its initial release. Here are some interesting facts about the series:

  1. Unique Magic System: One of the most distinctive features of the "Mistborn" series is its allomancy system, where characters can ingest and "burn" specific metals to gain various powers. This intricate and innovative approach to magic sets it apart from many other fantasy works.

  2. Trilogy Structure: The original "Mistborn" series consists of a trilogy: "Mistborn: The Final Empire," "Mistborn: The Well of Ascension," and "Mistborn: The Hero of Ages." Each book builds upon the themes and events set in the previous volumes.

  3. Future Expansions: After completing the original trilogy, Sanderson expanded the world of Mistborn with a sequel series set in a more modern world, starting with "Mistborn: The Alloy of Law." This series introduces elements of steampunk and detective fiction.

  4. Themes of Revolution and Trust: The narrative explores profound themes such as societal inequality, the nature of power, and the complexities of trust and leadership, all set against a backdrop of a revolution against a tyrannical ruler.

  5. Influence on Fantasy Literature: "Mistborn" has had a significant impact on the fantasy genre and is often recommended for readers looking for fresh ideas and storytelling techniques. Sanderson's approach has influenced many aspiring writers in the field.

  6. Kramer and the Audiobooks: Michael Kramer and his wife, Kate Reading, are celebrated audiobook narrators. Their work on the "Mistborn" series has been praised for enhancing the immersive experience of Sanderson's writing, making them a favorite among audiobook listeners.

  7. Cultural Inspirations: The series draws from various cultural influences, including inspirations from medieval Europe and Asian cultures. The blending of these elements contributes to the rich world-building that Sanderson is known for.

  8. Strong Female Protagonist: The character of Vin, the main protagonist, is a strong female lead who undergoes significant growth throughout the series. Her journey from a street urchin to a powerful figure in the fight against oppression resonates with many readers.

  9. Worldbuilding: Sanderson has created a detailed and complex world with its own history, cultures, and political systems. The depth of this world is often highlighted as one of the strongest aspects of the series.

  10. Writing in a Constraint: The original "Mistborn" trilogy was written with a unique constraint—specifically, Sanderson imposed rules on himself regarding how the magic systems worked, which allowed him to create a compelling and cohesive narrative structure.

These facts underscore the allure of the "Mistborn" series, showcasing its innovation in the fantasy genre and the depth of its characters and themes.